But on the eve of today’s Champions League Final against Manchester United, former Barca boss Johan Cruyff has revealed the highly-rated young coach could be about to leave the Nou Camp. And even Guardiola himself was guarded about his future speaking at his side’s Champions League press conference.

Former Barca star and manager Cruyff, who remains an advisor to the club, said: “Guardiola has worked very hard over the last few years and it wouldn’t surprise me if he left independently of Saturday’s result.

“If he left, it would only be because it is very difficult to withstand certain pressures in the long term.”

Guardiola refused to rule out the possibility of leaving, saying: “Today is not the day to talk about that. We have worked an enormous amount of time to get here. It is a privilege to be here, so let’s not talk about anything else.

“We won this competition two years ago. Leaving? Let’s leave that for another time. The important thing is the club, no matter who the coach might be.”

Skipper Carles Puyol added: “I hope he stays at Barcelona for as long as possible.

“He is one of the best coaches in the world. Barca is his club and where he should be.”

The Blues are searching for a new boss after axeing Carlo Ancelotti for failing to win a trophy this season.

Guus Hiddink, who steered Chelsea to FA Cup glory in his caretaker spell in 2008-9, is owner Abramovich’s current top choice to replace the Italian.

But doubt remains over whether Abramovich will be able to tempt current Turkey boss Hiddink, 64, back to club management.

So the Russian will be encouraged to hear that long-term target Guardiola could be available.

The Spaniard recently extended his Barca contract until next summer but Cruyff’s words about his former player will give Abramovich hope he could pull off a sensational deal to bring him to London... and secure the Champions League trophy which has so far been elusively out of reach.